Systems and methods for monitoring, tracking and tracing logistics

ABSTRACT

A method for tracking a parcel with a tracking device is provided.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of U.S. nonprovisional patentapplication Ser. No. 17/057,977, which is a U.S. National Stage Entry ofPatent Cooperation Treaty application Serial No. PCT/US2019/034821,entitled Systems and Methods for Monitoring, Tracking and TracingLogistics, filed May 31, 2019, and which claims priority of U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/679,300, entitled Systems andMethods for Monitoring, Tracking and Tracing Logistics, filed Jun. 1,2018, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/806,444,entitled Systems and Methods for Monitoring, Tracking and TracingLogistics, filed Feb. 15, 2019, and hereby incorporates each of these byreference herein in its respective entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The apparatus and methods described below generally relate to a trackingdevice for a parcel.

BACKGROUND

When a parcel is shipped, it can be susceptible to being stolen and/ormishandled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments will become better understood with regard to thefollowing description, appended claims and accompanying drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric, exploded view depicting a tracking device, inaccordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an assembled isometric view of the tracking device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the tracking device of FIG. 1 incommunication with a remote computing device;

FIGS. 4A-4C are each environmental views depicting a different stage ofa method for tracking a parcel with the tracking device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart depicting the operation of the tracking device ofFIG. 1 in a supervisory mode;

FIGS. 6A-6C are each an environmental view depicting different stages ofa method for returning the tracking device of FIG. 1 to a shipper;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view depicting a tote in association with atracking device, in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the tracking device of FIG. 7 incommunication with a remote computing device;

FIGS. 9A-9G are each environmental views depicting a different stage ofa method for tracking the tote with the tracking device of FIG. 7 ;

FIGS. 10A-10K are each environmental views depicting a different stageof a method for tracking shipping of an item with a tracking devicealong a pharmaceutical distribution network;

FIG. 11 is an environmental view depicting different stages of a methodfor tracking wine from a vintner with a tracking device; and

FIG. 12 is a schematic view depicting a method for tracking returnedbeer kegs with a tracking device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments are hereinafter described in detail in connection with theviews and examples of FIGS. 1-12 , wherein like numbers indicate thesame or corresponding elements throughout the views. A tracking device20 in accordance with one embodiment is generally depicted in FIGS. 1-3and can be associated with a parcel (e.g., 42 in FIG. 4A), as will bedescribed in further detail below, to facilitate tracking of the parcel.As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 , the tracking device 20 can include apower supply module 22, a wireless communication module 24, an inertialmeasurement unit (IMU) module 26, a location-monitoring module 28, amicroprocessor 30 (e.g., a processor), and a memory module 32. The powersupply module 22 can facilitate onboard powering of the tracking device20 and can comprise a power storage device such as a disposable battery,a rechargeable battery, a supercapacitor or any of a variety of suitablealternative power storage arrangements. In one embodiment, the powersupply module 22 can be charged via inductive charging. In otherembodiments, the power supply module 22 can be charged from a power port(not shown) (e.g., a USB port), an onboard photovoltaic cell (notshown), kinetic energy, or from energy harvested from a nearbycommunication device (e.g., a passively powered device).

The wireless communication module 24 can facilitate wirelesscommunication with a remote computing device 36 via any of a variety ofwireless communication protocols such as, for example, Wi-Fi, Cellular,or Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPAN) (e.g., IrDA, Bluetooth,Bluetooth Low Energy, Zigbee, wireless USB). The wireless communicationmodule 24 can be associated with an antenna 33. The remote computingdevice 36 can be a smartphone (e.g., an iOS or Android device), a laptopcomputer, a tablet, or a desktop computer, for example. The remotecomputing device 36 can have an application loaded thereon that isconfigured to enable unidirectional or bi-directional communicationbetween the tracking device 20 and the remote computing device 36. Insome arrangements, the wireless communication module 24 can facilitatecommunication (e.g., via Wi-Fi or cellular) with a remote server (e.g.,a cloud-based server) that is accessed by the remote computing device36. In one embodiment, the tracking device 20 can be configured toadditionally support wired communication via a communication port (notshown), such as a USB port, for example.

The IMU module 26 can be configured to detect motion of the trackingdevice 20 (e.g., in three dimensions) and can include a gyroscope, aninclinometer, an accelerometer, and/or a magnetometer, for example. Thelocation-monitoring module 28 can be configured to detect the geospatial positioning of the tracking device 20, using a Global NavigationSatellite System (GNSS), such as GPS, Wi-Fi triangulation, or cellulartriangulation. The microprocessor 30 can gather the sensor data and thelocation data from the IMU module 26 and the location-monitoring module28, respectively for processing and can wirelessly communicate thesensor data and the location of the tracking device 20 (via the wirelesscommunication module 24) to the remote computing device 36.

The microprocessor 30 may be embodied as any type of processor capableof performing the functions described herein. For example, themicroprocessor 30 may be embodied as a single or multi-core processor, adigital signal processor, a microcontroller, a general purpose centralprocessing unit (CPU), a reduced instruction set computer (RISC)processor, a processor having a pipeline, a complex instruction setcomputer (CISC) processor, an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gatearray (FPGA), or other processor or processing/controlling circuit orcontroller.

The memory module 32 can be embodied as any type of volatile ornon-volatile memory or data storage capable of performing the functionsdescribed herein. For example, the memory module 32 may be embodied asread only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), cache memoryassociated with the microprocessor 30, or other memories such as dynamicRAM (DRAM), static ram (SRAM), programmable ROM (PROM), electricallyerasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, a removable memory card or disk, asolid state drive, and so forth. In operation, the memory module 32 maystore various data and software used during operation of the trackingdevice 20 such as operating systems, applications, programs, libraries,and drivers. Further, the memory module 32 may store various data andsoftware associated with a predictive modeling engine,tracking-optimized algorithms, as well as an analytics engine that canbe utilized by the tracking device 20 in accordance with the presentdisclosure. It some embodiments, the microprocessor 30 and the memorymodule 32 can be integrated into the same chipset (e.g., as amicrocontroller).

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , a printed circuit board 38 can support thepower supply module 22, the wireless communication module 24, the IMUmodule 26, the location-monitoring module 28, the microprocessor 30, andthe memory module 32 described above. The printed circuit board 38 canbe disposed within a housing 40 as shown in FIG. 2 . In one embodiment,the printed circuit board 38 can be entirely encased within the housing40 to prevent the printed circuit board 38 from being exposed toenvironmental conditions. The tracking device 20 can accordingly be astand-alone, self-contained unit that can be included in a parcel tofacilitate tracking of the parcel during shipping. It is to beappreciated that the tracking device 20 can have any of a variety ofsuitable alternative physical configurations and in some instances canbe tailored to accommodate a particular physical implementation.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-6C, one example of a method for tracking aparcel 42 with the tracking device 20 is illustrated and will now bediscussed. First, the parcel 42 can be prepared for shipping by firstproviding contents 44 into the parcel 42 and then providing the trackingdevice 20 into the parcel 42 together with the contents 44, asillustrated in FIG. 4A. Packing material (not shown), such as packingpeanuts or bubble wrap, for example, can also be introduced to theparcel 42 to protect the contents 44 and/or the tracking device 20 frombeing damaged during shipment. In one embodiment, the tracking device 20can be provided in a padded envelope (not shown) or other protectivecontainer, prior to being introduced into the parcel 42. In anotherembodiment, the tracking device 20 can be affixed to an interior wall ofthe parcel 42 (e.g., with an adhesive sticker), to prevent the trackingdevice from moving freely within the parcel 42 during shipment. Once thetracking device 20 and the contents 44 are provided in the parcel 42,the parcel 42 can be sealed for delivery.

Prior to shipping the parcel 42, the tracking device 20 can be assignedto the parcel 42 (i.e., placed into service) such that it is operable totrack the upcoming shipment of the parcel 42. As illustrated in FIG. 4A,a remote computing device 36 a can be provided at the shipper's locationand can communicate with the tracking device 20, such as, for example,via short-range wireless communication, such as Bluetooth, Zigbee orWi-Fi; via long-range wireless communication, such as cellularcommunication; or via wired communication. To facilitate assigning ofthe tracking device 20 to the parcel 42, a manifest can be generated forthe parcel 42 that provides unique details about the parcel 42 and/orthe contents 44, such as, for example, an order number, an originationlocation (i.e., an address), a destination location (i.e., an address),estimated time of arrival at the destination location, a registry of theitems that are to be included as the contents 44 of the parcel 42, themethod of shipment, and/or the dimensions of the parcel 42. In oneembodiment, the manifest can be generated by the remote computing device36 a, but in another embodiment, another remote computing device cangenerate the manifest and then transmit it to the remote computingdevice 36 a. The remote computing device 36 a can then upload themanifest (e.g., as manifest data) to the tracking device 20 which isreceived by the wireless communication module 24 of the tracking device20 and then stored in the memory module 32. In one embodiment, thetracking device 20 can require a user to enter login credentials (e.g.,with a username and password) at the remote computing device 36 a beforepermitting communication with the tracking device 20. It is to beappreciated that although the remote computing device 36 a is shown tobe a smartphone, any of a variety of suitable alternative remotecomputing devices can be provided for communicating with the trackingdevice 20, such as, for example, a laptop, a desktop, or a stand-alonecommunication device (i.e., a device that is configured only forcommunicating with the tracking device 20).

Once the tracking device 20 has been successfully assigned to the parcel42, it can begin tracking the parcel 42, which will be described infurther detail below. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the parcel 42 can thenbe loaded onto a delivery vehicle 46 for shipment to the destinationlocation. Although the delivery vehicle 46 is shown in FIG. 4B to be anautomobile, other types of delivery vehicles are contemplated, such asan airplane, a train, a tractor-trailer, or a human messenger, forexample. It is also contemplated that a combination of different typesof delivery vehicles can be utilized to facilitate delivery of theparcel 42 to the destination location.

During shipment of the parcel 42 to the destination location, thetracking device 20 can facilitate tracking of the location (e.g., thegeospatial positioning) of the parcel 42 via the location-monitoringmodule 28. In one embodiment, the tracking device 20 can periodicallytransmit the current location of the parcel 42 to a remote computingdevice (e.g., 36) for display to a recipient to facilitate remotetracking of the parcel 42 (e.g., substantially in real-time). In oneembodiment, the tracking device 20 can transmit the location of theparcel 42 via cellular communication or any of a variety of suitablealternative long-range wireless networks. In another embodiment, thedelivery vehicle 46 can include a repeater (not shown) that communicateswith the tracking device 20 via a short-range wireless network (e.g.,Bluetooth) and transmits the location of the parcel 42 via a long-rangewireless network, such as via cellular communication. In such anembodiment, the tracking device 20 might consume less power than whendirectly transmitting the location via a long-range wireless network.

In one embodiment, the tracking device 20 can know the predefined routefor the shipment (e.g., from the manifest) and can compare the currentroute with the predefined route. When the parcel 42 is on the predefinedroute, the tracking device 20 can withhold communication of its currentlocation. However, when the tracking device 20 detects that the parcel42 has diverged from the predefined route, the tracking device 20 cancommunicate the location of the parcel 42 periodically to enable a userto more easily locate it. As such, the tracking device 20 able toconserve power by only transmitting the location of the parcel 42 whenthe parcel 42 has diverted form the predefined route.

The tracking device 20 can additionally or alternatively periodicallylog the location of the parcel 42 as historical location data in thememory module 32 for use in conducting historical analysis of the routeof the parcel 42 (e.g., to determine route inefficiencies, routeanomalies, or to assess the ability of a driver).

The tracking device 20 can understand the route of the During trackingof the location of the parcel 42, the tracking device 20 can understandthe predefined route from the manifest. preloading of the manifestenables the tracking device to know its location pathway, and to decidefor itself whether it is off course, and thus whether a communication isnecessary, thereby making it a smart device and capable of savingbattery power

The tracking device 20 can also facilitate detection of motion-basedforces, such as vibration or shock, via the IMU module 26, that theparcel 42 is subjected to during shipping. In one embodiment, when themotion-based forces are excessive (e.g., relative to a threshold value),such as when the parcel 42 is dropped or the delivery vehicle 46 is inan accident, a notification can be sent to the remote computing device36 to indicate that the parcel 42 may have been damaged. In anotherembodiment, the motion-based forces can be periodically logged in thememory module 32 as historical environmental data for use in conductinghistorical analysis of the types of motion-based forces experienced bythe parcel 42 during delivery. In one example, the motion-based forcesdetected by the tracking device 20 can be used to determine the types ofconveyance methods (e.g., hand carrying, hand truck, conveyor belt) usedduring the shipping process to verify that the parcel 42 was properlyhandled during shipping. It is to be appreciated that, although data isdescribed as being logged in the memory module 32, data collected by thetracking device 20 can additionally or alternatively be logged in aremote server (not shown) periodically during shipping (e.g., vialong-range communication such as cellular communication) and/or once theparcel 42 reaches the destination location (e.g., via short-rangecommunication).

During shipping of the parcel 42, the tracking device 20 can compare thecurrent location to the destination location provided in the manifest todetermine whether the parcel 42 has been successfully delivered to thedestination location, as illustrated in FIG. 4C. In one embodiment, avirtual geographic boundary (e.g., a geofence) can be established forthe destination location during the assigning of the tracking device 20to the parcel 42 (e.g., from the manifest). In such an embodiment, thetracking device 20 can determine that the parcel 42 has beensuccessfully delivered to the destination location once the currentlocation is within the geographic virtual boundary. In anotherembodiment, geospatial information (e.g., a geospatial coordinate) canbe established for each of the current location and the destinationlocation. In such an embodiment, the tracking device 20 can determinethat the parcel 42 has been successfully delivered to the destinationlocation once the geospatial information for the current location iswithin a predefined proximity (e.g., within 100 feet) of the geospatialinformation for the destination location. In one example, the geospatialinformation for the destination location can be established during theassigning of the tracking device 20, and the geospatial information forthe current location can be established during tracking of the parcel42.

Once the tracking device 20 determines that the parcel 42 has beensuccessfully delivered to the destination location, as illustrated inFIG. 4C, and the parcel 42 is at rest, the tracking device 20 can entera supervisory mode in which it monitors the parcel 42 for unauthorizedremoval from the destination location (e.g., theft). When the trackingdevice 20 enters the supervisory mode, it can detect any motion of theparcel 42 from rest (e.g., via the IMU module 26) that may indicatepotential unauthorized departure from the destination location, such aswhen the parcel is picked up or shaken. When such motion is detected,the tracking device 20 can then compare the current location with thedestination location to determine whether the parcel 42 has departedfrom the destination location (e.g., relative to the virtual geographicboundary or the predefined proximity described above). If the trackingdevice 20 determines that the parcel 42 has departed from thedestination location, the tracking device 20 can send an alert to aremote computing device 36 b and can continue tracking the parcel 42.The tracking device 20 can transmit periodic updates of the currentlocation of the parcel 42 to the remote computing device 36 b until theparcel 42 has been successfully recovered. It is to be appreciated thatalthough the remote computing device 36 b is shown to be a smartphone,any of a variety of suitable alternative remote computing devices can beprovided for communicating with the tracking device 20 upon delivery ofthe parcel 42, such as, for example, a laptop, a desktop, or astand-alone communication device (i.e., a device that is configured onlyfor communicating with the tracking device 20 at the destinationlocation).

When the parcel 42 initially arrives at the destination location and isat rest, as determined by the tracking device 20, the tracking device 20can enter the supervisory mode and can communicate with the remotecomputing device 36 b (e.g., via the wireless communication module 24)to confirm the status of the delivery to the remote computing device 36b. If the remote computing device 36 b is proximate enough to thedestination location, the tracking device 20 can communicate with theremote computing device 36 b via short-range communication, such as viaBluetooth, Zigbee or Wi-Fi. In one embodiment, the manifest provided tothe tracking device 20 can include the login credentials for a Wi-Finetwork located at the destination location. In such an embodiment, whenthe parcel 42 is delivered to the destination location, the trackingdevice 20 can automatically login to the Wi-Fi network at thedestination location using the login credentials to enable communicationwith the remote computing device 36 b over the Wi-Fi network. However,if the remote computing device 36 b is not proximate enough to thedestination location to use short-range communication, the trackingdevice 20 can transmit the acknowledgement to the remote computingdevice 36 b via long-range communication such as via cellularcommunication.

One example of the operation of the tracking device 20 in thesupervisory mode is illustrated in FIG. 5 . When the parcel 42 issuccessfully delivered and the tracking device 20 enters the supervisorymode, the tracking device 20 can query the intended recipient (e.g., viaa graphical user interface (GUI) on the remote computing device 36 b) toconfirm whether the parcel is in the recipient's possession (48). If therecipient confirms that the parcel 42 is in the recipient's possession,the tracking device 20 can stop operating in the supervisory mode (50)and can send a delivery confirmation to the shipper (52) to notify theshipper that the parcel 42 has been successfully delivered to theintended recipient. If the recipient indicates that the parcel 42 is notin the recipient's possession, the tracking device 20 can continue tooperate in the supervisory mode (54) until the confirmation is receivedfrom the recipient. If the recipient does not provide any indication,the tracking device 20 can continue to operate in the supervisory mode(54). While in the supervisory mode, the tracking device 20 can continueto detect movement of the parcel 42 (56) (e.g., the IMU module 26). Ifthe tracking device does not detect movement of the parcel 42, it canremain in the supervisory mode. In one embodiment, if the trackingdevice 20 is in the supervisory mode and does not detect movement aftera predefined time period has elapsed, it can enter a power conservationmode (e.g., sleep) until it detects movement. When the tracking device20 detects movement, it can query the intended recipient (e.g., via theGUI on the remote computing device 36 b) to confirm whether the parcelis in the recipient's possession (58). If the recipient confirms thatthe parcel 42 is in the recipient's possession, the tracking device 20can stop operating in the supervisory mode (50) and can send a deliveryconfirmation to the shipper (52) to notify the shipper that the parcel42 has been successfully delivered to the intended recipient. If therecipient indicates that the parcel 42 is not in the recipient'spossession, the tracking device 20 can initiate tracking of the parcel42 (60). In one embodiment, the remote computing device 36 b can alsodisplay a message indicating that tracking has been initiated. If thereis no response from the recipient within a predefined amount of time,the tracking device 20 can initiate tracking of the parcel 42 (60).During tracking of the parcel 42, a report can be transmitted to thepolice (62). The tracking device 20 can also send periodic updates ofthe current location of the parcel 42 to the remote computing device 36b which can be displayed to the intended recipient.

Once the parcel 42 is successfully in the recipient's possession, thetracking device 20 can be removed from the parcel 42 and returned to theshipper (i.e., reverse logistics). One example of a method for returningthe tracking device 20 is illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C and will now bedescribed. First, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, the tracking device 20 canbe provided in a padded envelope 66 which can be preprinted withshipping information for returning the tracking device 20 to theshipper. In some embodiments, the tracking device 20 can be provided inthe padded envelope 66 prior to shipping the parcel 42 to protect thetracking device 20 during shipment. The padded envelope 66 containingthe tracking device 20 can then be shipped back to the shipper, asillustrated in FIG. 6B. Once the padded envelope 66 arrives at theshipper's location, the tracking device 20 can be retrieved from thepadded envelope 66, as illustrated in FIG. 6C. As an alternative,tracking devices can be returned to the shipper in bulk. In analternative embodiment, the tracking device 20 can be configured forone-time use and discarded after the parcel 42 is delivered. A remotecomputing device 36 c can communicate with the tracking device 20 andcan query a user about whether to erase the tracking device 20. If auser indicates that the tracking device 20 is to be erased, the remotecomputing device 36 c can transmit a deprogramming instruction to thetracking device 20. In response to the deprogramming instruction, thetracking device 20 can erase the manifest data and any other data storedin the memory module 32, such that the tracking device 20 can bereassigned to another parcel. In one embodiment, the tracking device 20can facilitate tracking of the return shipment of the padded envelope 66in a similar manner as described above with respect to FIGS. 4A-4F. Itis to be appreciated that although a padded envelope (e.g., 66) is shownand described, any of a variety of suitable alternative protectivecontainers are contemplated.

In one embodiment, the tracking device 20 can require a user to enterlogin credentials (e.g., with a username and password) at the remotecomputing device 36 c before permitting deprogramming of the trackingdevice 20. It is to be appreciated that although the remote computingdevice 36 c is shown to be a smartphone, any of a variety of suitablealternative remote computing devices can be provided for communicatingwith the tracking device 20, such as, for example, a laptop, a desktop,or a stand-alone communication device (i.e., a device that is configuredonly for communicating with the tracking device 20).

Referring now to FIGS. 7-9G, an alternative embodiment of a trackingdevice 120 is shown to be affixed to a reusable, tote-type parcel 143(hereinafter “the tote”). As illustrated in FIG. 7 , the tote 143 caninclude a receptacle 169 and a pair of closure flaps 170 that can beselectively opened and closed relative to the receptacle 169. Theclosure flaps 170 can include interlock portions 171 that interlock witheach other when the closure flaps 170 are closed to provide asubstantially rigid closure therebetween. The tote 143 can be configuredto interlock with other similarly configured totes when provided in astacked arrangement. In one embodiment, the tote 143 can be formed of ahigh-density thermoplastic material, but any of a variety of suitablealternative materials are contemplated, such as, for example, ahigh-density elastomeric material, metal or wood. In one embodiment, thetote 143 can comprise an insulated container (e.g., for cold chainshipments). It is to be appreciated that the tote 143 can have any of avariety of suitable alternative configurations. For example, the tote143 might have a lid that is removable from the receptacle (e.g., 169)and the tracking device 120 can be secured to the receptacle.

The tracking device 120 can be releasably coupled to the tote 143 suchthat the tracking device 120 is able to remain with the tote 143 overthe course of multiple shipments of the tote 143 yet is still capable ofbeing removed (e.g., to allow for maintenance or replacement of thetracking device 120). In one embodiment, the tracking device 120 can bereleasably coupled to the tote 143 by an adhesive sticker or a hook andloop fastening arrangement. In another embodiment, the tracking device120 can be slidably received within a compartment (not shown) that isdefined by the tote 143. It is to be appreciated that the trackingdevice 120 can be releasably coupled with the tote 143 in any of avariety of suitable alternative arrangements. In an alternativeembodiment, the tracking device 120 can be permanently affixed to thetote 143 such as through heat welding, for example. In one example, thetracking device 120 can be embedded in the tote 143 (e.g., formedintegrally together with the tote 143) such that the tote 143 serves asa housing (e.g., 40) for the tracking device 120.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7 , the tracking device 120can be coupled with one of the closure flaps 170 such that the trackingdevice 120 is readily accessible when the closure flap 170 is opened,and is contained within the tote 143 when the closure flap 170 isclosed. It is to be appreciated however that the tracking device can beprovided at any of a variety of suitable locations on the tote 143.

The tracking device 120 can be similar to, or the same in many respectsas, the tracking device 20 illustrated in FIGS. 1-6C. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 8 , the tracking device 120 can include a powersupply module 122, a wireless communication module 124, an inertialmeasurement unit (IMU) module 126, a location-monitoring module 128, amicroprocessor 130 (e.g., a processor), and a memory module 132. Thewireless communication module 124 can facilitate communication with aremote computing device 136. However, the tracking device 120 can alsoinclude a light sensor 172, a temperature sensor 173, and a radiofrequency identification (RFID) communication module 174.

The light sensor 172 can be configured to detect the exposure of thetracking device 120 to light and can comprise a photoresistor, aphotodiode, and/or a phototransistor, for example. The light sensor 172can facilitate detection of the opening and closing of the tote 143 as afunction of the amount of light exposure inside of the tote 143. Inparticular, when the closure flaps 170 are closed, the tracking device120 can detect the closing of the tote 143 as a function of thereduction in light detected by the light sensor 172. When the closureflaps 170 are opened, the tracking device 120 can detect the opening ofthe tote 143 as a function of the increased light detected by the lightsensor 172.

The temperature sensor 173 can be configured to detect the internaltemperature of the tote 143 (e.g., the temperature within the receptacle169) and can comprise a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector,a thermistor, and/or a thermal diode integrated circuit, for example. Itis to be appreciated that the tracking device 120 can additionally oralternatively include other types of environmental sensors for detectingdifferent environmental conditions within the tote 143, such as, forexample, a moisture sensor, a radiation sensor, an airquality/contaminant sensor, and/or a microphone.

In an alternative embodiment, the tracking device 120 can include a firedetection module (not shown) that is configured to facilitate detectionof the presence of a fire on or proximate to the tote 143. The firedetection module can be configured to detect heat, smoke, carbonmonoxide, or any other environmental condition that may be indicative ofa fire. If the tracking device 120 detects the presence of a fire, thetracking device 120 can transmit an alert to a remote computing device(e.g., 136) which can facilitate an expedited response tocontrol/extinguish the fire. The tracking device 120 can accordinglyfacilitate prompt containment of a fire, which can help alleviatesubstantial damage to the tote 143 and/or the entire shipment.

The RFID communication module 174 can be configured to interrogate RFIDtags that are located in the tote 143, as will be described in furtherdetail below. In one embodiment, the RFID communication module 174 cancomprise an RFID reader. In another embodiment, the RFID communicationmodule 174 can comprise an RFID transceiver.

The tracking device 120 can be configured to be selectively programmed(e.g., by the remote computing device 136) to activate or deactivatedifferent ones of the IMU module 126, the location-monitoring module128, the light sensor 172, the temperature sensor 173, and the RFIDcommunication module 174 for an upcoming shipment. The selection ofwhich of the IMU module 126, the location-monitoring module 128, thelight sensor 172, the temperature sensor 173, and the RFID communicationmodule 174 to activate or deactivate can depend on the type of contentsthat will be shipped in the tote 143 and/or the nature of tracking thatwill be employed for the tote 143. If the motion of the tote 143 is tobe monitored, the IMU module 126 can be activated. If the location ofthe tote 143 is to be tracked, the location-monitoring module 128 can beactivated. If the opening of the tote 143 is to be monitored duringshipping, the light sensor 172 can be activated. If the contents are tobe shipped in a temperature-controlled environment, the temperaturesensor 173 can be activated. If the contents are provided with RFIDtags, the RFID communication module 174 can be activated to facilitateinterrogation of the RFID tags. The tracking device 120 can accordinglybe provided as a general-purpose tracking device that can be uniquelyprogrammed to accommodate a wide range of different shipping scenarios.As such, the tracking device 120 can be more cost effective and easierto implement than conventional single-purpose tracking devices.Additionally, by selectively deactivating the components that are notbeing used for a particular shipment, the overall power consumption ofthe tracking device 120 can be reduced, which can prolong battery lifesuch that the tracking device 120 has more longevity for longer shippingroutes.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9G, one example of a method for preparing thetote 143 for shipment and tracking the tote 143 with the tracking device120 is illustrated and will now be discussed. First, a manifest can begenerated for a shipment and assigned to a tote 143. In one embodiment,the manifest can be assigned to the tote 143 by including a unique IDfor the tote 143 in the manifest. Programming information for thetracking device 120 can then be generated for the tote 143 thatspecifies which of the IMU module 126, the location-monitoring module128, the light sensor 172, the temperature sensor 173, and the RFIDcommunication module 174 should be activated or deactivated for theshipment of the tote 143. As illustrated in FIG. 9A, a remote computingdevice 136 a can communicate with the tracking device 120, viashort-range wireless communication, such as Bluetooth, Zigbee or Wi-Fi(e.g., when the remote computing device 136 a is proximate the trackingdevice 120), via long-range wireless communication, such as cellularcommunication (e.g., when the remote computing device 136 a is remotefrom the tracking device 120), or via wired communication. Theprogramming information can be loaded on the remote computing device 136a and uploaded to the tracking device 120 for programming the trackingdevice 120. In one embodiment, the programming information can begenerated by the remote computing device 136 a, but in anotherembodiment, another remote computing device can generate the programminginformation and then transmit it to the remote computing device 136 a.The tracking device 120 can receive the programming information (via thewireless communication module 124) and can then activate or deactivateeach of the IMU module 126, the location-monitoring module 128, thelight sensor 172, the temperature sensor 173, and the RFID communicationmodule 174 based upon the programming information. For purposes of thisdiscussion, the tracking device 120 can be programmed such that each ofthe IMU module 126, the location-monitoring module 128, the light sensor172, the temperature sensor 173, and the RFID communication module 174are activated. In one embodiment, the tracking device 120 can require auser to enter login credentials (e.g., with a username and password) atthe remote computing device 136 a before permitting communication withthe tracking device 120.

As illustrated in FIG. 9B, once the tracking device 120 has beensuccessfully programmed, the tote 143 can be filled with items 144(e.g., contents) listed on the manifest that is assigned to the tote143. Each of the items 144 can include an RFID tag 176 that includes aunique ID and identifying information about the item 144 to which it isaffixed (e.g., product name, manufacturer, manufacture date, lot number,and SKU). The unique ID and identifying information about each item canbe included in the manifest. As illustrated in FIG. 9C, the manifest canthen be uploaded to the tracking device 120 by the remote computingdevice 136 a. It is to be appreciated that although the same remotecomputing device is shown for uploading the programming information andthe manifest to the tracking device, in some embodiments, differentremote computing devices can upload the programming information andmanifest to the tracking device 120.

Once the manifest has been uploaded to the tracking device 120, the RFIDcommunication module 174 can interrogate the RFID tags 176 of each ofthe items 144, as illustrated in FIG. 9D, to take an inventory of whichitems 144 have been placed in the tote 143. The tracking device 120 canthen compare the items 144 identified by the RFID communication module174 with the items listed on the manifest. If any items listed on themanifest are missing from the tote 143, the tracking device 120 cantransmit an alert to the remote computing device 136 a indicating thatthe inventory in the tote 143 does not match the manifest. The tote 143can be then be retrieved and the inventory error can be corrected. Onceall of the items (e.g., 144) listed on the manifest are included in thetote 143, the tote 143 can be ready for shipment.

Although the manifest is described above as being uploaded to thetracking device after filling the tote 143, the manifest canalternatively be uploaded to the tracking device 120 prior to fillingthe tote 143. In such an embodiment, the RFID communication module 174can take inventory of the items 144 as they are being placed in the tote(or soon thereafter). When the closure flaps 170 are closed, thetracking device 120 can detect that the tote 143 is now closed (via thelight sensor 172) and can compare the inventory with the manifest todetermine whether any items (e.g., 144) are missing from the tote 143.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 9E, the tote 143 can bepalletized on a pallet 178 with other totes that have their own trackingdevices (e.g., 120). The pallet 178 can include an RFID communicationdevice 180 and each of the totes can include an RFID tag (not shown)that includes a unique ID. The RFID communication device 180 can itselfbe configured to serve as a tracking device, and can be provided with amanifest that identifies the specific totes that are to be included onthe pallet 178. The RFID communication device 180 can interrogate theRFID tags on the totes to take an inventory of which totes are includedon the pallet 178. The RFID communication device 180 can compare theinventory with the manifest. If a tote is missing, the RFIDcommunication device 180 can send an alert (e.g., to the remotecomputing device 136 a) and the pallet 178 can be prevented from beingshipped until the missing tote(s) are loaded on the pallet 178.

Once the pallet is ready to be shipped to a destination location, it canbe loaded into a delivery vehicle 146 for shipment. Although thedelivery vehicle 146 is shown in FIG. 9F to be an automobile, othertypes of delivery vehicles are contemplated, such as an airplane, atrain, a tractor-trailer, or a human messenger, for example. It is alsocontemplated that a combination of different types of delivery vehiclescan be utilized to facilitate delivery of the tote 143 to thedestination location. In one embodiment, the delivery vehicle 146 caninclude a repeater 181 that is configured to communicate with thetracking device 120 and/or the RFID communication device 180 via ashort-range wireless network (e.g., Bluetooth) and transmit thecommunication to a remote computing device (e.g., 136 a) via along-range wireless network, such as via cellular communication.

During shipment of the tote 143 to the destination location, thetracking device 120 can facilitate tracking of the location (e.g., thegeospatial positioning) of the tote 143 in a similar manner as describedabove with respect to the tracking device 20. The tracking device 120can detect the opening of the tote 143 relative to the current locationof the tote 143. If the tracking device 120 detects that the tote 143has been opened (via the light sensor 172) prior to being delivered tothe destination location (e.g., determined in a similar manner asdescribed above for the tracking device 20), the tracking device 120 cantransmit an alert to a remote computing device (e.g., 136 a) indicatingthat the tote 143 has been opened prior to delivery. In one embodiment,the alert can be transmitted substantially in real time (e.g., vialong-range communication). In another embodiment, the alert can belogged in the memory module 132 for transmission to a remote computingdevice once the tote 143 reaches the destination location (e.g., viashort-range communication).

The tracking device 120 can be configured to periodically log thetemperature of the tote 143 (e.g., in the memory module 132 or a remoteserver via long-range communication), as detected by the temperaturesensor 173, during shipping to generate a historical temperature reportfor the tote 143. If the temperature inside the tote 143 reaches ahazardous level for the items 144 (e.g., as specified by the manifest),the tracking device 120 can transmit an alert to a remote computingdevice (e.g., 136 a). In one embodiment, the tracking device 20 canpredict an over-temperature condition from the historical report andtransmit an alert prior to the over-temperature condition occurring.

The tracking device 120 can be configured to periodically log themotion-based forces (e.g., in the memory module 132 or a remote servervia long-range communication), as detected by the IMU module 126, thatthe tote 143 experiences during shipping to generate a historical reportof the different magnitudes and types of motion experienced by the tote143 during shipping. If the motion-based forces reach a hazardous levelfor the items 144 (e.g., as specified by the manifest), the trackingdevice 120 can transmit an alert to a remote computing device (e.g., 136a). In one embodiment, the tracking device 120 can be configured todetermine when a hazardous event has occurred, as a function of themotion-based forces detected by the IMU module 126, such as for example,the delivery vehicle 146 being involved in a crash, the delivery vehicle146 encountering a pot hole, or the tote 143 being dropped. When ahazardous event is determined to have occurred, the tracking device 120can transmit an alert (e.g., substantially in real time or logged oncethe tote 143 reaches the destination location) to a remote computingdevice (e.g., 136 a) indicating that a hazardous event has occurred.

The tracking device 120 can be configured to periodically interrogatethe tote 143 with the RFID communication module 174 during shipping toconfirm whether any of the items 144 listed on the manifest are missingfrom the tote 143 (e.g., an inventory audit). If any of the items 144listed on the manifest are missing from the tote 143, the trackingdevice 120 can transmit an alert to a remote computing device (e.g., 136a) indicating that the inventory in the tote 143 does not match themanifest. In some embodiments, when the tracking device 120 interrogatesthe tote 143, any neighboring RFID tags (e.g., from adjacent totes onthe pallet 178) may inadvertently be interrogated as well. In theseembodiments, the tracking device 120 can be configured to only recognizethe response signals from the RFID tags 176 of the items 144 listed onthe manifest, thus ignoring the stray response signals from anyneighboring RFID tags.

The tracking device 120 can conduct an inventory audit in response tocertain triggering events such as, for example, when the toteexperiences certain types of movement (as detected by the IMU module126), when certain temperatures are reached inside the tote 143 (asdetected by the temperature sensor 173), at specific destinations on theroute (as detected by the location-monitoring module 128), or when ahazardous condition occurs. In one embodiment, the tracking device 120can conduct an inventory audit when the tote 143 is opened (as detectedby the light sensor 172). In an alternative embodiment, the trackingdevice 120 can conduct inventory audits at random times randomly and/oraccording to a predefined schedule.

The tracking device 120 can log the inventory audits (e.g., in thememory module 132 or a remote server), to create a chain of custody forthe items 144 (e.g., a chain of custody log). Additional information,such as the environmental conditions (e.g., the motion-based forcesand/or the temperature of the tote 143) and/or the geospatial locationduring each inventory audit can be included in the chain of custody log.

When the tote 143 is delivered to the destination location, the trackingdevice 120 can determine that successful delivery has occurred and canenter a supervisory mode (e.g., in a similar manner as described abovefor tracking device 20). While in the supervisory mode, the trackingdevice 120 can continue to conduct inventory audits, detect for openingand closing of the tote 143, and/or detect for other conditions (e.g.,hazardous conditions). Once the tote 143 is successfully in an intendedrecipient's possession, the supervisory mode can be terminated (e.g., bythe recipient). The tote 143 can then be opened and the items 144 can beremoved from the tote 143, as illustrated in FIG. 9G. The trackingdevice 120 can then upload data related to the delivery, such ashistorical reports, alerts that were generated during shipping, and/orthe chain of custody log to a remote computing device 136 b. The remotecomputing device 136 b can then request confirmation of whether to erasethe tracking device 120. If the recipient indicates that the trackingdevice 120 is to be erased, the remote computing device 136 b cantransmit a deprogramming instruction to the tracking device 120, which,in response, erases the programming information, the manifest data andany other data stored in the memory module 132. The tote 143 can then bereused by the recipient for another shipment or can be returned to theshipper. In an embodiment where the tote 143 is returned to the shipper,the tracking device 120 may not be deprogrammed until the shipperreceives the tote 143.

It is to be appreciated that although the tracking device 120 is shownand described to be associated with the tote 143, it is to beappreciated that the tracking device 120 can be a stand-alone device(e.g., similar to the tracking device 20) or can be associated withother shipping components, such as a pallet.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10K, one example of a method for tracking apharmaceutical product through a pharmaceutical distribution channel isillustrated and will now be discussed. It is to be appreciated that themethod for tracking a pharmaceutical product can incorporate similartracking techniques as described above with respect to the trackingdevices 20, 120. First, as illustrated in FIG. 10A, a pharmaceuticalmanufacturer can provide pharmaceutical items 244 a (e.g., contents)into a parcel 242 to fulfil an order from a pharmaceutical wholesaledistributor (e.g., 282 in FIG. 10E). The pharmaceutical items 244 a caninclude RFID tags 276. As illustrated in FIG. 10B, a tracking device 220a can be programmed and/or assigned to the parcel 242 with a remotecommunication device 236 a. The tracking device 220 a can be similar to,or the same as in many respects as, the tracking devices 20, 120illustrated in FIGS. 1-6C and 7-9G, respectively. For example, thetracking device 220 a can include an RFID communication module (e.g.,174) for interrogating the RFID tags 276. As illustrated in FIG. 10C,the tracking device 220 a can be affixed to the parcel 242, and theparcel 242 can be closed for shipping. As illustrated in FIG. 10D, theparcel 242 can be palletized on a pallet 278 a with other parcels. Asillustrated in FIG. 10E, the pallet 278 a can be provided in a deliveryvehicle 246 a for delivery to a pharmaceutical wholesale distributor282. During shipping of the parcel 242 to the pharmaceutical wholesaledistributor 282, the tracking device 220 a can track the parcel 242. Aspart of the tracking, the tracking device 220 a can conduct periodicinventory audits to generate a chain of custody log for thepharmaceutical items 244 a for the shipment. Once the parcel 242 hasbeen successfully delivered to the pharmaceutical wholesale distributor282, the tracking device 220 a can communicate with a remote computingdevice 236 b, as illustrated in FIG. 10F, to confirm that the parcel 242has been properly received at the pharmaceutical wholesale distributor282 (e.g., by confirming delivery with a user and terminating operationin supervisory mode). The tracking device 220 a can also upload thechain of custody log for the pharmaceutical items 244 a to a remoteserver (not shown) (e.g., via the remote computing device 236 b) as wellas any other relevant data (e.g., environmental data and/or alerts)collected during the delivery. The tracking device 220 a and thepharmaceutical items 244 a can be removed from the parcel 242 at thepharmaceutical wholesale distributor 282, as illustrated in FIG. 10F,the pharmaceutical items 244 a can be placed into inventory 284 at thepharmaceutical wholesale distributor 282, and the tracking device 220 acan be returned to the pharmaceutical manufacturer.

As illustrated in FIG. 10G, pharmaceutical items 244 b (which mayinclude some of the pharmaceutical items 244 a from the pharmacymanufacturer's shipment) can be retrieved from inventory 284 at thepharmaceutical wholesale distributor (e.g., 282) in response to an orderfrom a pharmacy. The pharmaceutical items 244 b can be provided in atote 243 that is similar to, or the same in many respects as, the tote143 illustrated in FIGS. 7-9G. A tracking device 220 b can be providedon the tote 243 which can be similar to, or the same as in many respectsas, the tracking device 220 a. The tracking device 220 b can beprogrammed and/or assigned to the tote 243 by a remote communicationdevice 236 c, as illustrated in FIG. 10H. Once the tracking device 220 bis successfully programmed and/or assigned to the tote 243, the trackingdevice 220 b can begin interrogating the RFID tags 276 on thepharmaceutical items 244 b (e.g., to conduct an inventory audit), asillustrated in FIG. 10I. As illustrated in FIG. 10J, the tote 243 can bepalletized on a pallet 278 b with other totes. The pallet 278 b caninclude an RFID communication device 280 that can interrogate the pallet278 b to take an inventory of which totes are included on the pallet 278b.

As illustrated in FIG. 10K, the pallet 278 b can be provided in adelivery vehicle 246 b for delivery to one of a private pharmacy 286, aretail distribution facility 288, or a direct to consumer facility 290(collectively “retail distributors”). During shipping of the tote 243 toone of the retail distributors 286, 288, 290, the tracking device 220 bcan generate a chain of custody log for the pharmaceutical items 244 b.Once the tote 243 has been successfully delivered to one of the retaildistributors 286, 288, 290, the tracking device 220 b can communicatewith a remote computing device (not shown) to confirm that the tote 243has been properly received at the retail distributor (e.g., 286, 288,290). The tracking device 220 b can also upload the chain of custody logfor the pharmaceutical items 244 b to a remote server (not shown) (e.g.,via the remote computing device 236 b) as well as any other relevantdata (e.g., environmental data and/or alerts) collected during thedelivery.

When the tote 243 is delivered to the private pharmacy 286, thepharmaceutical items 244 b can be removed from the tote 243, and thetote 243 can be returned to the pharmaceutical wholesale distributor282. A pharmacist at the private pharmacy 286 can then facilitatedispensation of the pharmaceutical items 244 b to customers. When thetote 243 is delivered to the retail distribution facility 288, thepharmaceutical items 244 b can be removed from the tote 243, placed intoinventory, and eventually shipped to a retail pharmacy 292.Alternatively, the pharmaceutical items 244 b may remain in the tote 243and the tote 243 can be shipped to the retail pharmacy 292. In eitherscenario, the shipment to the retail pharmacy 292 can be tracked with atracking device that generates a chain of custody log for the items inthe shipment. When the shipment reaches the retail pharmacy 292, thechain of custody log can be uploaded to a remote server (not shown)(e.g., via a remote computing device), and the tracking device and/ortote can be returned to the pharmaceutical wholesale distributor 282. Apharmacist at the retail pharmacy 292 can then facilitate dispensationof the items from the shipment to customers.

When the tote 243 is delivered to the direct to consumer facility 290,the pharmaceutical items 244 b can be removed from the tote 243, placedin inventory, and the tote 243 can be returned to the pharmaceuticalwholesale distributor 282. A pharmacist at the direct to consumerfacility 290 can then facilitate shipment of one or more of thepharmaceutical items 244 b to a customer's home 294 to fulfil thecustomer's prescription. The shipment to the customer's home 294 can betracked with a tracking device (e.g., 20) that generates a chain ofcustody log for the items in the shipment. When the shipment reaches thecustomer's home 294, the chain of custody log can be uploaded to aremote server (not shown) (e.g., via a remote computing device) and thetracking device can be returned to the direct to consumer facility 290.It is to be appreciated that although the chain of custody logs andother data are described as being uploaded to a remote server upondelivery, the chain of custody logs and other data can be uploaded tothe remote server periodically during shipment (e.g., via long-rangecommunication).

As the remote server accumulates chain of custody logs for the differentshipments of items along the pharmaceutical distribution channel (e.g.,from the pharmaceutical manufacturer to the pharmacist (or the customerfor the direct to consumer distribution channel)), an individual chainof custody can be generated for each item from the chain of custody logs(including the various conditions and alerts that were detected by thetracking devices after the item left the pharmaceutical manufacturer).By establishing a unique chain of custody for each item, apharmaceutical manufacturer can control and maintain the supply chainmore effectively, more cost effectively, and more efficiently thancurrent pharmacy supply chains.

Referring now to FIG. 11 , one example of method for tracking wine froma vintner is illustrated and will now be discussed. It is to beappreciated that the method for tracking wine can incorporate similartracking techniques as described above with respect to the trackingdevices 20, 120. For example, first, wine bottles 344 can be provided ina parcel 342 along with a tracking device 320 that is similar to, or thesame in many respects as, the tracking devices 20, 120 illustrated inFIGS. 1-6C and 7-9G, respectively. The tracking device 320 can beaffixed to the parcel 342 and the parcel 342 can be closed for shipping.The parcel 342 can be palletized on a pallet 378 with other parcels andprovided in a delivery vehicle 346 for delivery to a retailer. Duringshipping of the parcel 342 to a retailer, the tracking device 320 cantrack the parcel 342 and the temperature inside of the parcel. When theparcel 342 is delivered to the destination location, the tracking device320 can upload data gathered during the shipment (e.g., a historicaltemperature report) to a remote computing device.

Referring now to FIG. 12 , one example of a method for tracking beerkegs 444 that have been returned to a distributor is illustrated andwill now be described. Each beer keg 444 can be provided with a trackingdevice 420 that is similar to, or the same as in many respects as, thetracking devices 20, 120 illustrated in FIGS. 1-6C and 7-9G,respectively. When beer kegs 444 are returned to the distributor, aninventory management system 496 at the distributor can detect theirarrival via the tracking device 420. Once enough of the beer kegs 444have been returned to the distributor to fill a delivery vehicle 446, anotification is transmitted via a network 497 to a logistics managementsystem 498 that can arrange for a delivery vehicle 446 to pick up thebeer kegs 444 for delivery to a refiller (e.g., a brewer). The refillercan accordingly track their deployed beer keg inventory more preciselyand can retrieve the returned beer kegs more promptly than withconventional inventory management systems. As such, less of therefiller's inventory remains with the distributors, which can allow therefiller to have a smaller inventory of beer kegs thereby providing acost savings to the refiller.

It is to be appreciated that, although tracking devices are describedfor use in the pharmaceutical, wine and beer industries, the trackingdevices (e.g., 20, 120) can be utilized in any of a variety of otherdistribution chains for tracking the shipment of products. It is also tobe appreciated that the tracking devices described herein provide a costeffective solution that provides multiple different tracking features ina single device. The tracking device can give a shipper the ability totrack the shipping of high value, vulnerable, regulated products (e.g.,pharmaceuticals), the ability to detect and recover stolen goods, and/orthe ability to detect shock, vibration, temperature and otherenvironmental conditions substantially in real time during delivery morecost effectively than conventional arrangements. In addition, thetracking devices can enable a shipper to control their supply chain moreeffectively than conventional methods. For example, a shipper can usethe tracking devices to identify the specific parcels that may have beendamaged during a shipment (e.g., due to the occurrence of a hazardouscondition) and remove the individual parcels from the supply chainrather than removing an entire shipment. A shipper can also use thetracking device to predict the occurrence of a hazardous condition mightoccur (e.g., increasing temperatures) and take mitigating action toprevent the hazardous condition from occurring. In addition, a shippercan use the data gathered by the tracking devices for differentshipments to assess the compare the efficacy of a particular shippingmethod over another shipping method (e.g., to select the best vendor fora particular shipping method). In yet another example, a shipper can usethe tracking devices to facilitate prevention and detection ofcounterfeiting.

It is to be appreciated that the processes associated with the presentembodiments may be executed by programmable equipment, such ascomputers. Software or other sets of instructions that may be employedto cause programmable equipment to execute the processes may be storedin any storage device, such as, for example, a computer system(non-volatile) memory, an optical disk, magnetic tape, or magnetic disk.Furthermore, some of the processes may be programmed when the computersystem is manufactured or via a computer-readable memory medium.

It can also be appreciated that certain process aspects described hereinmay be performed using instructions stored on a computer-readable memorymedium or media that direct a computer or computer system to performprocess steps. A computer-readable medium may include, for example,memory devices such as diskettes, compact discs of both read-only andread/write varieties, optical disk drives, and hard disk drives. Anon-transitory computer-readable medium may also include memory storagethat may be physical, virtual, permanent, temporary, semi-permanentand/or semi-temporary.

A “computer,” “remote computer,” “remote computing device,” “computersystem,” “host,” “engine,” or “processor” may be, for example andwithout limitation, a processor, microcomputer, minicomputer, server,mainframe, laptop, personal data assistant (PDA), wireless e-maildevice, cellular phone, pager, processor, fax machine, scanner, or anyother programmable device configured to transmit and/or receive dataover a network. Computer systems and computer-based devices disclosedherein may include memory for storing certain software applications usedin obtaining, processing, and communicating information. It can beappreciated that such memory may be internal or external with respect tooperation of the disclosed embodiments. The memory may also include anymeans for storing software, including a hard disk, an optical disk,floppy disk, ROM (read only memory), RAM (random access memory), PROM(programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM) and/or othercomputer-readable memory media.

In various embodiments of the present invention, a single component maybe replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may bereplaced by a single component, to perform a given function orfunctions. Except where such substitution would not be operative topractice embodiments of the present invention, such substitution iswithin the scope of the present invention. Any of the servers describedherein, for example, may be replaced by a “server farm” or othergrouping of networked servers (e.g., a group of server blades) that arelocated and configured for cooperative functions. It can be appreciatedthat a server farm may serve to distribute workload between/amongindividual components of the farm and may expedite computing processesby harnessing the collective and cooperative power of multiple servers.Such server farms may employ load-balancing software that accomplishestasks such as, for example, tracking demand for processing power fromdifferent machines, prioritizing and scheduling tasks based on networkdemand, and/or providing backup contingency in the event of componentfailure or reduction in operability.

In general, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art thatvarious embodiments described herein, or components or parts thereof,may be implemented in many different embodiments of software, firmware,and/or hardware, or modules thereof. The software code or specializedcontrol hardware used to implement some of the present embodiments isnot limiting of the present invention. Such software may be stored onany type of suitable computer-readable medium or media such as, forexample, a magnetic or optical storage medium. Thus, the operation andbehavior of the embodiments are described without specific reference tothe actual software code or specialized hardware components. The absenceof such specific references is feasible because it is clearly understoodthat artisans of ordinary skill would be able to design software andcontrol hardware to implement the embodiments of the present disclosurebased on the description herein with only a reasonable effort andwithout undue experimentation.

In various embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may beconfigured and/or programmed to include one or more of theabove-described electronic, computer-based elements and components. Inaddition, these elements and components may be particularly configuredto execute the various rules, algorithms, programs, processes, andmethod steps described herein.

The foregoing description of embodiments and examples has been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or limiting to the forms described. Numerous modificationsare possible in light of the above teachings. Some of thosemodifications have been discussed and others will be understood by thoseskilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described forillustration of various embodiments. The scope is, of course, notlimited to the examples or embodiments set forth herein, but can beemployed in any number of applications and equivalent devices by thoseof ordinary skill in the art. Rather, it is hereby intended that thescope be defined by the claims appended hereto. Also, for any methodsclaimed and/or described, regardless of whether the method is describedin conjunction with a flow diagram, it should be understood that unlessotherwise specified or required by context, any explicit or implicitordering of steps performed in the execution of a method does not implythat those steps must be performed in the order presented and may beperformed in a different order or in parallel.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A method for tracking a container with a trackingdevice associated therewith, the method comprising: identifying adestination location for the container; detecting, by the trackingdevice, a current location of the container; determining, by thetracking device based upon the current location, delivery of thecontainer to the destination location; determining, by the trackingdevice based upon the current location, the departure of the containerfrom the destination location; transmitting a first alert, by thetracking device, to a remote computing device in response to thedeparture of the container from the destination location; determining,by the tracking device, opening of the container; comparing, by thetracking device, the current location with the destination location;determining, by the tracking device, that the container has been openedat a location other than the destination location; and transmitting asecond alert, by the tracking device, to the remote computing device inresponse to the determining that the container has been opened at alocation other than the destination location.
 22. The method of claim 21further comprising establishing a virtual geographic boundary for thedestination location, wherein: the determining delivery of the containerto the destination location comprises determining that the currentlocation of the container is within the virtual geographic boundary; thedetermining the departure of the container from the destination locationcomprises determining that the current location of the container isoutside of the virtual geographic boundary; and the determining that thecontainer has been opened at a location other than the destinationlocation comprises determining that the current location of thecontainer is outside of the virtual geographic boundary.
 23. The methodof claim 21 wherein: the determining delivery of the container to thedestination location comprises determining that geospatial informationof the current location is within a predefined proximity of geospatialinformation of the destination location; the determining the departureof the container from the destination location comprises determiningthat the geospatial information of the current location is outside ofthe predefined proximity of the geospatial information of thedestination location; and the determining that the container has beenopened at a location other than the destination location comprisesdetermining that the geospatial information of the current location isoutside of the predefined proximity of the geospatial information of thedestination location.
 24. The method of claim 21 further comprisingtransmitting the current location, by the tracking device, to the remotecomputing device in response to the departure of the container from thedestination location.
 25. The method of claim 21 further comprising:receiving, by the tracking device, an acknowledgement from a user of theremote computing device; and terminating, upon receiving theacknowledgement from a user, at least one of the transmitting of thefirst alert and the transmitting of the second alert.
 26. The method ofclaim 21 further comprising: detecting, by the tracking device, anenvironmental condition associated with the container; comparing, by thetracking device, the environmental condition to a predefined threshold;and transmitting a third alert, by the tracking device, to the remotecomputing device in response to the comparing of the environmentalcondition to the predefined threshold.
 27. The method of claim 26further comprising transmitting, by the tracking device, theenvironmental condition to the remote computing device, wherein theenvironmental condition comprises one or more of temperature, motion,vibration and light.
 28. The method of claim 21 wherein the determiningopening of the container comprises: detecting a light intensity insideof the container; and determining that the light intensity exceeds apredefined threshold.
 29. The method of claim 21 further comprising:assigning a registry to the container; detecting, by the trackingdevice, contents of the container; comparing, by the tracking device,the contents of the container to the registry upon the determiningopening of the container; and transmitting a notification, by thetracking device, to the remote computing device identifying results ofthe comparing the contents of the container to the registry.
 30. Themethod of claim 29 wherein detecting the contents of the containercomprises: transmitting, by the tracking device, an interrogator signalto the contents of the container; and receiving, by the tracking device,a response signal from a radio frequency identification tag located onan item of the contents of the container; wherein the comparing thecontents of the container to the registry comprises comparing, by thetracking device, a unique identifier from the radio frequencyidentification tag with a list of unique identifiers from the registry.31. A method for tracking a container, the method comprising:associating a tracking device with the container; identifying adestination location for the container; detecting, by the trackingdevice, a current location of the container; determining, based upon thecurrent location, delivery of the container to the destination location;determining, based upon the current location, the departure of thecontainer from the destination location; transmitting a first alert to aremote computing device in response to the departure of the containerfrom the destination location; determining, by the tracking device, thatthe container has been opened at a location other than the destinationlocation; and transmitting a second alert to the remote computing devicein response to the determining that the container has been opened at alocation other than the destination location.
 32. The method of claim 31further comprising establishing a virtual geographic boundary for thedestination location, wherein: the determining delivery of the containerto the destination location comprises determining that the currentlocation of the container is within the virtual geographic boundary; thedetermining the departure of the container from the destination locationcomprises determining that the current location of the container isoutside of the virtual geographic boundary; and the determining that thecontainer has been opened at a location other than the destinationlocation comprises determining that the current location of thecontainer is outside of the virtual geographic boundary.
 33. The methodof claim 31 wherein: the determining delivery of the container to thedestination location comprises determining that geospatial informationof the current location is within a predefined proximity of geospatialinformation of the destination location; the determining the departureof the container from the destination location comprises determiningthat the geospatial information of the current location is outside ofthe predefined proximity of the geospatial information of thedestination location; and the determining that the container has beenopened at a location other than the destination location comprisesdetermining that the geospatial information of the current location isoutside of the predefined proximity of the geospatial information of thedestination location.
 34. The method of claim 31 further comprisingtransmitting the current location, by the tracking device, to the remotecomputing device in response to the departure of the container from thedestination location.
 35. The method of claim 31 further comprising:receiving, by the tracking device, an acknowledgement from a user of theremote computing device; and terminating, upon receiving theacknowledgement from a user, at least one of the transmitting of thefirst alert and the transmitting of the second alert.
 36. The method ofclaim 31 further comprising: detecting, by the tracking device, anenvironmental condition associated with the container; comparing theenvironmental condition to a predefined threshold; and transmitting athird alert to the remote computing device in response to the comparingof the environmental condition to the predefined threshold.
 37. Themethod of claim 36 further comprising transmitting the environmentalcondition to the remote computing device, wherein the environmentalcondition comprises one or more of temperature, motion, vibration andlight.
 38. The method of claim 31 wherein the determining that thecontainer has been opened at a location other than the destinationlocation comprises: detecting a light intensity inside of the container;and determining that the light intensity exceeds a predefined threshold.39. The method of claim 31 further comprising: assigning a registry tothe container; detecting, by the tracking device, contents of thecontainer; comparing the contents of the container to the registry uponthe determining that the container has been opened at a location otherthan the destination location; and transmitting a notification to theremote computing device identifying results of the comparing thecontents of the container to the registry.
 40. The method of claim 39wherein detecting the contents of the container comprises: transmitting,by the tracking device, an interrogator signal to the contents of thecontainer; and receiving, by the tracking device, a response signal froma radio frequency identification tag located on an item of the contentsof the container; wherein the comparing the contents of the container tothe registry comprises comparing a unique identifier from the radiofrequency identification tag with a list of unique identifiers from theregistry.